Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site

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Park Information

Missouri State Parks has implemented a number of measures designed to maintain required social distancing and protect visitors, volunteers and staff. We ask our visitors to view our Park Hours to confirm operating hours. A full list of temporary closures can be found here. The latest information from Missouri State Parks on COVID-19 can be found here.

Stepping on to the grounds of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is like stepping into 19th century pastorale. Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins spent half a century building – including an elegant home and a three-story woolen mill – have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s. The mill is the only 19th century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. The site's visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Historic Site Grounds:

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

May 5-15:
Historic site grounds are open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Beginning May 16:
Historic site grounds are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular Hours

  • April through October
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday (Closed Easter Sunday)
  • November
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday
  • Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 28, 2021
    Historic site grounds will be closed Monday through Thursday

Park Office hours

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

May 5-15:
Beginning May 5, 2021, the office at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site will be open to the public five days a week -- Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per local ordinance, masks will be required inside.

Regular Hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

  • April through October
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

Winter Hours (off-season)

  • November through March
    8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday

Visitor Center hours

Visitor Center and Museum

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

The visitor center and museum are open seven days a week. Hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are not required but are strongly encouraged. 

Regular Hours

April through October
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

  • November
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday
  • Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 28, 2021
    9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday
    10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday
    The visitor center may be closed during these hours due to weather.

Watkins Mill hours

COVID-19 Temporary Hours

Tours of the woolen mill and Watkins house are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays. Tour times are: Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; and Monday holidays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Swimming Beach hours

Beach closed for the season